LIHUE — Hurricane season in the central Pacific region, including Hawaii, runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and the Kauai Emergency Management Agency reminds residents to prepare.
KEMA continues to monitor Hurricane Kiko as the National Weather Service forecasts the system will approach Hawaii early next week. The risk of direct impacts from wind and rain is increasing, according to forecasts. However, it is still too early to determine the exact locations that may be affected.
According to the National Weather Service, this season is expected to produce one to four tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific Basin, indicating a near-to-below-average season. This outlook serves as a general guide to overall seasonal hurricane activity and does not predict whether or how many of these systems will directly impact Hawaii.
An average season produces four to five storms, including tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes. There have already been three cyclones this season in the Central Pacific — Iona, Keli and Henriette.
“When tropical cyclones threaten, front-end preparedness is vital for you and your family. If its safe, staying at home is often the best choice,” says Kauai Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio. “Even though this seasons forecast suggests a near-to-below-average number of storms, it remains essential to prepare your emergency kits immediately. On Kauai, we know that just one storm can have a significant impact on our community.”
He emphasized that disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs. A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) continuously monitors weather conditions using satellites, land- and ocean-based sensors, and NOAA-operated aircraft reconnaissance missions. Complex computer models combined with expert analysis guide the hurricane centers five-day forecasts of storm tracks and intensity.
The CPHC issues a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch when hurricane or tropical storm-force winds are possible within 48 hours, and a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning when such winds are expected within 36 hours.
When a Watch or Warning is issued, residents and visitors should follow local radio and TV stations, check official websites, and follow instructions from emergency management authorities.
Information on planning and preparation regarding hurricane season is available on www.kauai.gov/kema, www.dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/the Central Pacific, or the National Hurricane Center website, http://www.hurricanes.gov/cphc.
To sign up for the county’s free emergency notification service, Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), go to the county website, www.kauai.gov/kema, and click “WENS.”
Those without Internet access can have their phone number and other pertinent information added to the county database by calling the Kauai Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
Source: The Garden Island
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